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Experience the contrasts of the West; from overflowing cities to wild deserts and forests

Explore all the natural and urban beauty that western US offers. Spend time in the big parks of the States – Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon and more. Discover a new landscape around every corner: from huge sculpted cliffs and monster trees to alien deserts filled with strange rocks and massive sand dunes. Sip wine in Sonoma, spend time with a Native America tribe and giddy up on a horse ride through the Old West. Overload your senses in ‘Sin City’ Las Vegas and relax in the city of Angels.

Lock in your 2019 holiday for only €50!

Lock in your 2019 holiday for only €50!

Offer applies to trips departing before 14 December 2019.

1. EUR50 deposit offer must be redeemed between 17 January and 28 February 2019 and can be used on any 2019 trip with departure before 14 December.
2. Offer excludes Christmas departures from 14 December – 31 December 2019.
3. The deposit can be used towards any Intrepid small group adventure and Intrepid short breaks, with the below exclusions: Polar trips – includes all itineraries in the Arctic and Antarctica; Private groups; Gorilla treks where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek to see the Gorillas. Excluded trips are: Gorillas & Game Parks (YXOG), Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches (YXOCC), Gorillas to Vic Falls (YXOIC), Africa Encompassed Southbound (YXOEC), Beaches, Game Parks & Gorillas (YXOGC), Vic Falls to Gorillas (YXOFC), Africa Encompassed Northbound (UXODC), Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Basix (YGAG), Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda (YGAR); Inca Trail trips where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek. Excluded trips are: Classic Peru (GGSD), Epic Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia (GGYQC), Epic Ecuador to Argentina via The Inca Trail (GGYCC), Epic Peru, Bolivia & Argentina (GGYBC), Epic Peru to Brazil (GGYDC), Epic South America (GGYEC), Essential Peru (GGYE), Essential Quito to Lima (GGYQ), Explore Peru & Bolivia (GGSUC), Galapagos & Inca Trail Adventure (GGTWC), Galapagos & Peru Adventure (GGSYC), Inca Encounter (GGKY), Inca Trail (GGTBC), Inca Trail & Amazon (GGSEC), Inca Trail Express (GGTA), Inca Trail Extension (GGHC), Machu Picchu Explorer (GGHT), Majestic Peru (GGKP), One Week in Peru (GGYC), Peru, Chile & Argentina Explorer (GGCLC), Peru Encompassed (GGSA), Peru Essentials (GGBL), Peru Family Holiday (GGFB), Real Peru (GGYA), Real Peru to Bolivia (GGYP), Sacred Land of the Incas (GGSQ), Six Days on the Inca Trail (GGYM). Normal deposits apply to these trips.
4. Balance is payable within 56 days of departure except for Intrepid Adventure Cruising departures which are payable within 90 days of departure.
5. Full name of passengers must be provided at time of booking. Passengers are not able to hold multiple departures for overlapping dates.
6. Offer applies to land element of tour only and cannot be redeemed against international flights.
7. The offer can only be applied to new bookings. Under no circumstances will the offer be applied to existing bookings or used in conjunction with another offer or discount.
8. Deposit amount is payable per person.
9. If the traveller wishes to change dates or tours, they will be required to pay the full EUR275 deposit (EUR400 deposit for Adventure Cruising, EUR75 deposit for 18 to 29s range) towards the new trip. This is applicable even inside the promotional period.
10. Prices, itineraries and inclusions are subject to change without notice. Standard booking conditions apply as per Intrepid website, www.intrepidtravel.com.
11. The trip is subject to availability and confirmation by Intrepid Travel at time of booking.
12. This offer is valid for residents of Europe (excl. UK and Switzerland) only.

Why you'll love this trip

While other trips breeze through spectacular Yosemite National Park in a day, on this adventure you'll spend two nights in the park, allowing for a full day of hiking and exploring. With its pine forests, skyscraper tall Sequoia trees, waterfalls and dramatic granite cliff faces, Yosemite feels like something out of 'The Land Before Time’

Don't let the name fool you. With its water-sculpted canyons, extinct volcanic craters, palm-shaded oases and salt flats, Death Valley is rich in natural beauty and endemic wildlife, and is often a highlight of the trip

Lake Tahoe is a stunning destination year-round. In summer it is all about water activities, and in winter, it's all about the snow. Head out for a snowshoe hike in winter or take a dip in the alpine blue lake waters during the summer months

Due to popular demand from past travellers, spend time in California's Joshua Tree National Park. The park's rugged desert scenery, natural cactus gardens and lush oases mark the meeting place of the Mojave and Sonora deserts

You'll spend two nights in the spectacular Grand Canyon so there's enough time to explore properly. See the canyon up close on a variety of hikes or take a helicopter flight overhead

Is this trip right for you?

Road tripping is the ultimate way to see the US, and scenic drives are a big part of this adventure’s focus. It's a very big country, so on a short trip expect to spend a lot of time driving in the van, rather than lots of time in each destination. Distances may be much longer than what you're used to (especially if coming from Europe). Long driving days though, while a little cramped, are perfect for soaking up the spectacular scenery, getting to know your fellow travellers, and breaking out that new book or album.

Los Angeles is one of the most car-heavy cities in the world and so, along with San Francisco, traffic can be hectic – especially during the holiday period. Take any delays in your stride and get your best car game ready to play.

Death Valley is extremely hot and dry (it's the hottest recorded place on Earth after all), so hiking at certain times of the year isn’t recommended.

Our vans do have air-conditioning, but it has to work pretty hard to keep a full group cool, so you may be hot. At other times of the year, it can be quite cold, especially at night. Be prepared for all weather conditions, especially outside of the July/August summer months. Pack warm clothes for the cold, sun protection and layers for the heat. It’s best to carefully consider the season and weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you.

Some travellers have reported feeling unsafe in San Francisco due to the large number of homeless people. Unfortunately homelessness is a fact of life in San Francisco and the problem is widespread throughout the city. It is very likely that you will see homeless people on the street during your time in the city, and while it can appear intimidating, they are mostly harmless.

Gallery

Itinerary

Welcome to the San Francisco, USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for today's welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. This evening head out with the group on an Urban Adventures tour, which includes a guided walk through San Francisco's famous Little Italy and North Beach districts and dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

San Francisco - Dinner Urban Adventure

Meals Included

Dinner

Special Information

Notes: As there's very little time spent in San Francisco on this trip, we recommend you arrive a few days early to see the sights. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Consider doing our one-day sightseeing tours of San Francisco: urbanadventures.com.

This trip doesn't allow time for a visit to Alcatraz, so you'll need to make your own arrangements if you want to see the island prison. Tickets must be booked in advance, as they sell out quickly and numbers are limited. You can make your reservations online at alcatrazcruises.com or by calling +1415 981 7625 between the hours of 8 am and 7 pm, Pacific Standard Time (USA). We recommend reserving your tickets for the day before the tour commences.

This morning hit the road out of San Francisco and drive north to the beautiful Sonoma Valley wine region. The small town of Sonoma was the site of the rebellion, which paved the way for California's independence from Mexico. Enjoy lunch, a wine tasting and an optional winery tour at a local vineyard. Explore the historic buildings and scenic trails of nearby Jack London State Park - the area the famous writer and adventurer once called home. Spend the second night of the trip in Sonoma.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Sonoma - Jack London State Historic Park

Sonoma - Wine Tasting

Sonoma - Picnic lunch

Optional Activities

Sonoma - Jack London Cottage - USD4

Meals Included

Today is a long day of driving (approximately seven hours), as you head east to Yosemite National Park where you'll spend the next two nights. Featuring sequoia forests, granite cliff faces and waterfalls, the scenery in this World Heritage-listed park is amazing to explore.

Accommodation

Motel (1 night)

Included Activities

Yosemite National Park

Meals Included

Enjoy a free day to explore Yosemite National Park. There are plenty of hikes to do, each varying in difficulty. Perhaps take a 4-5 hour hike to the top of Nevada Fall or a short and easy walk to the serene Mirror Lake. Keep an eye out for squirrels (and perhaps even a bear) along the way. You might like to hire a bike and cycle around Yosemite Valley, stopping by the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants on the way. In the heat of summer, float down the Merced River on a raft and enjoy a few drinks at the local cafe.

Accommodation

Motel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12

Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free

Yosemite - Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD30

Meals Included

Make the short drive to Lake Tahoe (approximately 2–3 hours). Enjoy free time for the rest of the day. If it's summer, perhaps using it to hike, swim, rent bikes or simply relax. An optional sunset sailing cruise on the lake is also available. In winter, your optional activities revolve around snow – strap on some snowshoes and go for a hike, take a sleigh ride, or try your hand at ice skating. In the evening, return to camp for dinner with the group.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Lake Tahoe - Kayaking/watersports - USD25

Lake Tahoe - Sunset champagne cruise - USD75

Meals Included

Drive south to Death Valley (approximately 6 hours). On the way to Lone Pine perhaps stop at Manzanar National Historic Site, a former Japanese Internment Camp during WWII. Spend the night in the town of Lone Pine, not far from the entrance to Death Valley. Here there's the option to visit the Museum of Western Film History, which celebrates the many movies that have been filmed in the area, such as Iron Man, Django Unchained, How The West Was Won, and True Grit.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Lone Pine - Museum of Western Film History - USD5

Meals Included

This morning we drive the short distance into Death Valley National Park. Death Valley National Park is a geologically rich area, featuring huge sand dunes, canyons, sculpted rocks, valleys and volcanic craters. Elevations fluctuate from 85 metres below sea level near Badwater Point (the lowest point in the USA) to 3756 metres above sea level at Telescope Peak. Death Valley is extremely hot and dry, so pack plenty of water. Perhaps hike up to Dante's View for amazing vistas over the valley. Check out Ubehebe Crater or find a shady trail through Golden Canyon. Set up camp in Death Valley National Park.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Death Valley National Park

Optional Activities

Death Valley National Park - Hiking (seasonal) - Free

Meals Included

It's a short three-hour drive through Nevada today, to the glitzy desert city of Las Vegas. This city may be the gambling capital of the world, but if this isn't your thing there's a lot more to do in town. Wander along the Strip past impersonators, billboards and hotels, checking out the Bellagio fountain show. Head to a rooftop amusement park, hit the chain stores or lose all sense of time exploring the gaudy interiors of The Venetian, Caesars Palace and New York-New York hotels. In the evening, join up with the group for an included buffet dinner, Vegas style. If you're up for it, see an after dinner show or hit up a nightclub.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Las Vegas - Buffet Dinner

Optional Activities

Las Vegas - Helicopter Tour of The Strip - USD110

Las Vegas - Limo (per group) - USD300

Las Vegas - Big Apple Express roller coaster - USD15

Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD20

Las Vegas - Neon Museum Tour - USD28

Las Vegas - Neon Museum - USD20

Meals Included

You'll have another day to further enjoy the delights of Las Vegas. Use the opportunity to find a swimming pool to relax by, have a crack at black jack, check out a show or just soak up the craziness that is Vegas.
Hit the shops, feel your stomach drop on a rooftop roller coaster or simply stroll along the Strip, soaking up the glitz and gaudiness. In the evening, perhaps feast on an 'all you can eat' buffet, check out one of the many shows on offer or party the night away in a Vegas nightclub.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

As this is a combination trip, your leader and the composition of your group may change at this point. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. This is optional to attend however is a great way to meet your new travel companions. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place.

Today, travel across the border into Utah and the spectacular landscapes of Zion National Park (approximately three hours). There's a variety of trails to choose from and you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore among the park's soaring cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Warm up with a gentle walk to the lower end of the Emerald Pools. Continue onto the upper end of the pools, passing a waterfall on the way to Zion's 'beach'. If you're feeling ambitious, perhaps enjoy the park's most famous challenge: Angels Landing. After a strenuous hike along the narrow ridge of the cliffs, you'll be rewarded with a panorama of the red landscape. Please be aware that this isn't for the faint-hearted and requires a moderate level of fitness.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Zion National Park

Optional Activities

Zion National Park - Hiking - Free

Zion - Narrows Hiking Gear Rental - USD25

Zion - River Tubing (seasonal) - USD15

Meals Included

Enjoy a full day of free time in Zion National Park. This is a great opportunity to tackle any trails you may not have yesterday. The Narrows is a good choice, if you're not up for the more challenging Angel's Landing. The Narrows is probably the most popular hike in the park, and one of the best slot canyon hikes on Earth. It can also be tailored to suit various levels of skill and experience.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

In the morning, drive to Bryce Canyon. Millions of years of wind and water erosion have formed the park's distinctive hoodoos – uniquely shaped rock spires rising out of the red desert. You will have ample time to explore the park's extensive network of hiking trails, from the easy Rim Trail, to the moderate Queen's Garden Trail or the strenuous Peek-a-boo Loop. Wherever you walk, you'll encounter unique landscapes and a kaleidoscope of desert colours.

Accommodation

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Meals Included

In the morning make the six-hour drive to the spectacular Monument Valley. There may be time to visit the cliffs, canyons and domes of Capitol Reef National Park on the way.

Monument Valley is part of the biggest Indian reservation in the USA, home to more than 200,000 enrolled members of the Navajo Tribe. Explore the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert, witnessing the ever-changing colour of the landscape. In the evening, travel by jeep through the Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. Join the locals for an authentic Navajo dinner around a campfire and listen to their traditional songs and stories.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Monument Valley Tribal Park Entry Fee

Monument Valley - Jeep Tour and Navajo Dinner

Capitol Reef National Park

Meals Included

In the morning, make the 3–4 hour drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. This a real highlight of the trip, so you'll be spending two nights here. Perhaps take a stroll along the South Rim Trail or hike to Skeleton Point. There's plenty to see and do during your time here.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Grand Canyon National Park

Meals Included

Today is a free day to explore the Grand Canyon. There are plenty of optional activities to take part in - your leader will provide you with the details. Take a hike around the canyon or if you're feeling extra adventurous, opt for a helicopter flight over the area. In the evening, sit back and enjoy the sunset behind the red peaks.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Grand Canyon - Helicopter flight (45 mins) - USD295

Grand Canyon - Hiking - Free

Grand Canyon - IMAX movie - USD15

Meals Included

In the morning, take the long drive to Joshua Tree National Park (approximately 7-8 hours). Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is home to striking rock formations, many species of cacti and varied desert wildlife such as coyotes, lizards and bighorn sheep. Spend the night in a nearby hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Joshua Tree National Park

Meals Included

After breakfast, take the short (approximately three hours) drive to Los Angeles. Grab some lunch at a local farmers market, then hit Santa Monica Pier for a dose of sea, sand and eccentric boardwalk characters. It can get really busy at the beach, so watch out for skaters, bikes and skateboarders speeding past.

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.